This calendar is the place to find fun events happening throughout Grays Harbor County including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Westport, Ocean Shores, Elma, Montesano and beyond.
Have an event that isn’t listed? Please email events@GraysHarborTalk.com with the following information:
- Name of Event
- Date, time and location (name of business if applicable and complete address)
- Organizer(s) name
- Cost
- URL to purchase tickets
- Website URL
- SHORT description of event
- Photo
Our editors will review and post within a few business days.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“We are coming together because we are tired of Grays Harbor County’s economic devastation and we are working together to make our city a better place for everyone,” says Mashyla Buckmaster, organizer with Harbor Rising and Chaplains the Harbor.
June 12th, 2018
CONTACTS:
Mashyla Buckmaster (360) 580-4278
Stina Janssen (360) 301-3340
Downtown Future Housing Site Tour and Vigil to advance vision for 2,000 affordable housing units in Aberdeen Revitalization Plan
Aberdeen, WA – Residents of Aberdeen who have experienced homelessness first-hand and housing-insecure families advocate that affordable housing must be a central emphasis in Aberdeen’s Revitalization Plan. Saturday, under the banner “Harbor Rising,” we will gather to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, to the streets of Aberdeen. Having sermonized at the Royal Wedding, Curry is now an international household name. Presiding Bishop Curry’s presence honors the work of our local community, which is rising to the challenge as we face down a housing crisis and advance lasting solutions.
Local residents will lead a downtown tour highlighting both our plight and our potential for future affordable housing and treatment centers, demonstrating our vision to the Presiding Bishop and members of the New Poor People’s Campaign visiting from across Washington State. We will end the day with a vigil at Aberdeen City Hall to honor the many lives lost due to homelessness in our community. The tour will meet at 3:00pm Saturday, June 16th in the parking lot next to Jay’s Fruit Stand (corner of South G St and E Heron St, Aberdeen, WA 98520) and will end at City Hall (200 E Market St) for a vigil.
Making housing a central priority in Aberdeen’s Revitalization Plan would address issues at the heart of citywide concern for Aberdeen’s economic future.
In recent weeks, the City has responded to homelessness with ordinances that would punish homeless people for the housing crisis. There have been community efforts to evict the largest homeless camp in the city. Like the City and the business community, we want a better future for our city and we want businesses and workers to do well.
We mourn the devastating loss of the Aberdeen Armory, which housed vital services including Meals on Wheels, the Museum of History, and Coastal Community Action Program, a provider of housing assistance. Despite the backlog the fire’s destruction will place on housing resources, we know that as a resilient community, we will rise.
Those who know homelessness firsthand have a vision to restore our county and its people by rebuilding our housing stock. One in sixteen people—approximately 1,000 people—are homeless in Aberdeen (DSHS 2017). For every 100 extremely low-income families in Grays Harbor, there are just 17 housing affordable units available. For the 1,775 extremely low-income households in the county, there are only 615 affordable units available, and for the 1,715 very low-income households, only 605 affordable units are available (American Community Survey Data 2016).
Meanwhile in Aberdeen, 11.7% of housing, 862 units, stand vacant (US Census 2010), most of these currently unfit for human habitation. We propose that 2,000 units be built or restored in Aberdeen to fill the gap in affordable housing availability. Harbor Rising imagines responsible agencies partnering with local organizations to provide housing including pathways to home-ownership and employment in housing construction and restoration. The Future Housing Site tour, led by people who have experienced homeless and housing insecurity first-hand.
The tour will end at City Hall for a vigil for those who have died on the street, prayer, and words from Presiding Bishop Curry.
Harbor Rising is made up of people with experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity, local residents, and organizations including Chaplains on the Harbor, Democracy Rising, Blind Justice and more.
Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy
Info Session every 1st Monday Monthly at 10:00AM
Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy is a tuition-free career training and education program that will connect students with the skills and educational opportunities they need to establish real careers in the high-demand healthcare and information technology industries. Students in the Cascades program receive FREE college education on local campuses, wrap around services, and extensive tutoring, mentoring, and skills development. Students also have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Imagine Academy certifications and industry-recognized credentials in healthcare or information technology via hands-on, practical experience.
Attend the information/application workshops for Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy onsite at the Aberdeen Timberland Library and learn about this exciting NEW Job Corps Pilot Program. We offer two specific Career Pathways:
Healthcare
Associates of Sciences Degree in Pre Nursing or Biology
-Medical Administrative Specialist
-Certified Medical Assistant
Information Technology
Associates of Technical Arts Degree
-Computer Applications Support Technician
-Network Technician
-Game & Web Development
Basic Qualifications:
• 16-21 years of age
• Meet income standards (varies by applicant)
• No pending court dates
• No fines over $500
• Motivated and committed
This program is completely FREE to eligible students!
If you are ready to take the next step contact, or visit www.CascadesJobCorpsCCA.com
Eric Thompson
Office: 206-212-6189
Text: 253-265-7054
Thompson.eric@jobcorps.org
Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy
Info Session every 1st Monday Monthly at 10:00AM
Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy is a tuition-free career training and education program that will connect students with the skills and educational opportunities they need to establish real careers in the high-demand healthcare and information technology industries. Students in the Cascades program receive FREE college education on local campuses, wrap around services, and extensive tutoring, mentoring, and skills development. Students also have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Imagine Academy certifications and industry-recognized credentials in healthcare or information technology via hands-on, practical experience.
Attend the information/application workshops for Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy onsite at the Aberdeen Timberland Library and learn about this exciting NEW Job Corps Pilot Program. We offer two specific Career Pathways:
Healthcare
Associates of Sciences Degree in Pre Nursing or Biology
-Medical Administrative Specialist
-Certified Medical Assistant
Information Technology
Associates of Technical Arts Degree
-Computer Applications Support Technician
-Network Technician
-Game & Web Development
Basic Qualifications:
• 16-21 years of age
• Meet income standards (varies by applicant)
• No pending court dates
• No fines over $500
• Motivated and committed
This program is completely FREE to eligible students!
If you are ready to take the next step contact, or visit www.CascadesJobCorpsCCA.com
Eric Thompson
Office: 206-212-6189
Text: 253-265-7054
Thompson.eric@jobcorps.org
In 1968, Vietnam, civil rights, women’s liberation, and conservation coalesced—and tragedy led the 6 o’clock news. It changed us in ways still rippling a half-century later. 1968: The Year That Rocked Washington features a collection of online stories and an exhibit at the Washington State Capitol with profiles, compelling photos, and artifacts that document the activism and aftershocks of a landmark year in world history.
Please join us for Channel Point Village’s opening Speaker Series event with John Larson, Executive Director of The Polson Museum in Hoquiam, WA, as he explores the theme “Capture the Moment” in relation to the museum’s community-based oral history project “My Harbor Story” and his work at the museum.
The American Lung Association is hosting our second annual cycling event Reach the Beach Washington on September 29, 2018. This cycling event takes place over a fast and flat course with multiple starting points. 100 miles from Lacey, 88 miles from Olympia, 44 miles from Elma, and 25 miles from Cosmopolis, all ending on the beautiful beach in Westport. There will be rest stops ever 15 miles, with hot lunches and hydration at each stop. There will also be bike mechanics along the route to provide quick fixes to popped tires, chain malfunctions, etc. Once across the finish line, we will celebrate with good food, good drinks, and good company!
For more information about the race and volunteer opportunities please visit our website reachthebeachwa.org
*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REST STOPS*
Are you interested in learning more about efforts to address homelessness and affordable housing in our community? A Housing Stakeholder Coalition has been formed and is a platform for education and discussion around pertinent housing issues. The next meeting of this group is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23rd at 9am in the Harbor Room at the Pearsall Building (2109 Sumner Avenue, Aberdeen).
Harvest Moon, Storyteller and Quinault Tribal Ambassador shares stories from the Northwest Coast Indian tradition. In partnership with Hoquiam Timberland Library.
The Friends of the Elma Timberland Library are hosting their Fall Book Sale. Pick up great books at even better prices!
The Friends of the Elma Timberland Library are hosting their Fall Book Sale. Pick up great books at even better prices!
Support the Central Park PTO and join us at the 3rd Annual Central Park Bazaar. Enjoy a free cup coffee or hot chocolate, and shop for baked goods, Christmas decorations, clothing, jewelry, and more! We are raffling off a Seahawk’s & Chocolate basket this year.
Santa will be available from 11:30 am-2: 30 pm.
We look forward to seeing you soon and thank you for your support.
The Friends of the Elma Timberland Library are hosting their Fall Book Sale. Pick up great books at even better prices!
Storyteller Rebecca Hom will share the stories of several Women Airforce Service Pilots, (WASPs) as well as the history of the program. The WASPs were an essential part of the US military’s air efforts during WWII.
The WASP training base was in Sweetwater, Texas – A dry desolate place where 1,100 women trained at Avenger Field, during WWII. They were selected from more than 25,000 applicants from all over the United States. Those chosen were highly qualified civilian pilots, and became the first females to earn their Silver Wings and fly military aircraft. These women flew over 60 million miles, in pursuit, cargo, and bomber planes during the brief two years of the WASP program. Their proficiency, enthusiasm, and spirit served the country, broke the norm, and paved the way for the future inclusion of female pilots.
Storyteller Rebecca Hom will share the stories of several Women Airforce Service Pilots, (WASPs) as well as the history of the program. The WASPs were an essential part of the US military’s air efforts during WWII.
The WASP training base was in Sweetwater, Texas – A dry desolate place where 1,100 women trained at Avenger Field, during WWII. They were selected from more than 25,000 applicants from all over the United States. Those chosen were highly qualified civilian pilots, and became the first females to earn their Silver Wings and fly military aircraft. These women flew over 60 million miles, in pursuit, cargo, and bomber planes during the brief two years of the WASP program. Their proficiency, enthusiasm, and spirit served the country, broke the norm, and paved the way for the future inclusion of female pilots.
Beach Walkers Wanted!
Join the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) to help make a difference for the environment!
COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal, and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and community groups. COASST believes citizens of coastal communities are essential scientific partners in monitoring marine ecosystem health. By collaborating with citizens, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, COASST works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions.
Aberdeen, WA – The Board of Directors of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport (GHHS), operators of the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, has scheduled a strategic planning workshop on December 8th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss long term planning for GHHS’s headquarters of Seaport Landing, vessel maintenance, and tall ship programs. No action will be taken at this meeting.
Please consider donating this holiday season & help save the lives of patients right here in our community.
Bloodworks Northwest will be holding a blood drive Monday, December 17th with:
Grays Harbor Community Hospital
915 Anderson Dr, Aberdeen 98520
9:30 am to 3:30 pm
(closed 11am-12pm)
*Bloodmobile located between Main Entrance & ER*
We still have 24 open appointments for the day, so please stop by and donate if you can. Every donation helps saves the lives of 3 patients!
To sign up: CLICK HERE to schedule online
Or call 1-800-398-7888 ext. 2
Sponsor Code: 4126
WALK-INS are always welcome!
Don’t forget:
- EAT something substantial (before and after you donate)
- Stay HYDRATED
- Bring your PHOTO ID or Donor Card
Come help Grays Harbor Stream Team and Chehalis River Basin Land Trust restore Elliott Slough by ripping out the invasive Scotch broom. Nothing is more satisfying than getting your hands dirty and killing Scotch broom.
Wear appropriate gear for the weather and bring a water bottle. We will have donuts, coffee, water, and snacks. Please carpool.
Take Junction City Rd till you pass the OLD Historical Seaport and take a left on Access Rd. Drive until you see the Grays Harbor Stream Team’s blue tent.
Come Join Grays Harbor Stream Team, City of Aberdeen, Grays Harbor College Fish Lab, and Clean Streams and Memes to clean Fry Creek up.
Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather and bring a water bottle. We will have coffee, donuts, snacks, and water. We also have gloves and trash pickers.
Please carpool. We will be meeting in the Dollar Tree parking lot. Look for the blue Grays Harbor Stream Team tent.
We look forward to seeing you!
Washington’s economy is booming
Are you experiencing the boom in your business, organization, and community?
When it comes to training existing employees and finding qualified new hires, the challenge is real in rural Washington. Education, workforce training, and other services may or may not be available where you live. If they are—then are they working for you? Effective policy for rural regions can only be informed by the “lived in” experience of people in those communities. That’s the purpose behind this Rural Community Vitality Forum in Aberdeen that asks the local community what’s working, and what’s not. Tell us your story, give us your perspective, and help shape solutions. This will be a facilitated but free-flowing discussion, so come prepared to participate.
We’re listening, and so is the U.S. Department of Labor
This rural “listening tour” is brought to you by the state’s Workforce Board, which helps convene and oversee the state’s workforce system. An economist from the Workforce Board will provide a snapshot of the local economy. Then a facilitator funded by the U.S. Department of Labor will help us capture your comments and frame next steps. Once the comments are compiled you’ll have a chance to provide input before a report is provided to state and federal policymakers. This is your chance to be heard, and make a difference where you live.
We need a firm headcount for our business breakfast (7:30 a.m.) and our community forum. So register today for these free events at:
http://www.wtb.wa.gov/RuralCommunityVitalityForums.asp
On May 4, 2019, more than 150 Comcast employees from the Aberdeen area, along with their families, friends and community partners, will contribute to local volunteer projects as part of Comcast’s 18th annual Comcast Cares Day. Teams of volunteers, working alongside the local McCleary School District, will help repair the post by removing a brick fascia and a leaking exterior wall, and re-siding it with updated materials. Others will help assemble assistance kits for homeless veterans.
